Niger State Government Accused of Scam After AI-Generated SME Grant Beneficiaries Video Surfaces

The Niger State government, led by Governor Umar Mohammed Bago, is facing public backlash after a video showing supposed Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) grant beneficiaries was revealed to be AI-generated. The footage, shared by former Special Adviser Abdulberqy Ebbo, depicted virtual recipients receiving credit alerts and thanking the government.

Residents and legal practitioners criticized the use of AI, questioning the authenticity of the grants and calling for transparency. Ibrahim Usman Wali described it as a “new low” in government propaganda. Social media users demanded proof from real beneficiaries, emphasizing that AI-generated videos undermine credibility and public trust.

The controversy follows similar incidents, including a viral image of President Bola Tinubu’s meeting with Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame that appeared to be AI-enhanced, highlighting growing concerns about the misuse of AI in government communications.

Topics: #Niger State, #SMEGrants, #AI-Generated Videos, #GovernmentAccountability, #PublicBacklash, #SocialMediaReactions.

Presidency Clarifies Tinubu-Kagame Photo Was Enhanced, Not AI-Generated, Following Social Media Controversy

The Nigerian Presidency has dismissed claims that a recently released photograph of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Paris was AI-generated. Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, explained that the photo’s poor quality, taken on a phone during the meeting, led to the misunderstanding.

Ajayi clarified that the image was later enhanced using the AI-based editing tool Grok to improve clarity, not to create or fabricate the photograph. Both leaders had met for lunch in Paris and later joined French President Emmanuel Macron for dinner.

The photograph, initially of low resolution, sparked social media speculation after the visible “Grok” watermark was detected. The Presidency emphasized that enhancing images for clarity does not constitute artificial generation.

Topics: #Politics, #Nigeria, #Tinubu, #Rwanda, #InternationalRelations, #AITechnology.

Presidency Sparks Controversy After Sharing AI-Watermarked Image of Tinubu–Kagame Paris Meeting

Nigeria’s presidency faced public backlash after sharing a photograph on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, purportedly showing a private meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Paris. Observers noticed that the image bore a “Grok” watermark, indicating it was created or altered using Elon Musk’s AI tool, Grok.

The official post claimed the meeting took place on January 4, 2026, to discuss “world affairs and advancing Africa,” confirmed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Despite this, the watermark’s presence has raised questions about the photo’s authenticity and whether an original, unedited version exists.

The incident has reignited concerns about digital manipulation, transparency, and the use of AI in official government communications, particularly as public trust in state institutions remains fragile. As of now, the presidency has not provided clarification regarding the AI-generated image.

Breaking: President Bola Tinubu at a private lunch in Paris with the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, discussing world affairs and advancing Africa.

Hmm❤...l am in Love, l love my wife so much and l love my family.

The impact of Priscilla ojo my wife and Actress IYABO ojo her Mother in my Career now 6 to 7/10, because l was already well known in East Africa even in Nigeria, some people knew me before in Nigeria and now is more and more because myself and Priscilla ojo are married and even in Tanzania she has alot of Fans too

I met Priscilla in Rwanda and l didn't know she was a celebrity, l sw£ar to God, l didn't know, like l just saw her with Chioma and l saw that she's a very fine girl, and when I had conversations with her, l concluded this is my wife, it was love at first sight

Even after the basketball event l never knew she's a big celebrity thou l saw she had above 1milli0n or 2million followers on her Instagram handle but l just felt maybe because she's a fine girl that made people follows her not until we both went to Zanzibar for Vacation and we both took pictures, l now saw several Blogs sharing our pictures and everyone started shouting Priscilla Priscilla, l was like wow wow❤

Chioma good hair has been like that big Aunty to Priscilla infact l met the both of them the same day and she's so supportive and always happy with our relationship, she's always pushing her and telling her let's go out, let's have fun....Juma Jux Reveals on Yanga Fm

Rwanda’s President Kagame Praises Trump for Pragmatic Africa Policy Amid Rwanda-DRC Peace Deal

Rwandan President Paul Kagame commended U.S. President Donald Trump for de-emphasizing democracy and human rights rhetoric in favor of tangible, results-driven engagement with Africa. Speaking in December 2025, Kagame highlighted the historic Washington Accords signed by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which aimed to resolve decades-long conflict and promote economic cooperation, including U.S. purchases of rare earth minerals. Kagame emphasized that the agreement addresses root causes of the conflict, though he noted that implementation remains a challenge. He also contrasted Trump’s transactional approach with previous U.S. administrations, which often focused on theoretical narratives around democracy and human rights. Despite initial optimism, renewed clashes involving the M23 rebel group have raised concerns over Rwanda’s compliance with the deal, prompting rising diplomatic tensions in East Africa.

Intelligence Report Uncovers 1,801 Bank Accounts Funding Boko Haram Across Nigeria and Abroad

A classified Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) report has exposed a vast domestic and international network funnelling money and logistical support to Boko Haram through 1,801 bank accounts linked to individuals and companies across 18 financial institutions. The investigation identified 96 Nigerian suspects, dozens of businesses—including multiple Bureau De Change operators—and foreign collaborators spanning the UAE, India, Rwanda, Niger, Benin, Uganda, Cameroon, and Dubai. The network also connects to known kidnappers, bandits, and informants, illustrating the deep overlap between terrorism and organised crime. This intelligence provides a crucial blueprint for disrupting Boko Haram’s financial lifelines and strengthening national security operations.

SaharaReporters Uncovers 23 Suspected Terror Financiers Linked to Billions in Suspicious Transactions

SaharaReporters has exposed a network of 23 suspected terror financiers—20 Nigerians and three international associates—connected to billions of naira in suspicious transactions linked to Boko Haram activities. The investigation reveals massive inflows and outflows across hundreds of bank accounts, with several suspects named in UAE court judgments for aiding terrorist financing. Many of the Nigerian suspects, arrested in 2021, were later released under questionable circumstances. The financial trails show transfers for weapons procurement, cross-border funding, money laundering, and links to convicted terrorists. International suspects, including the late Rwandan businessman Tribert Ayabatwa, his son Paul Nkwaya and arms dealer Aboubacar Hima, were tied to offshore transfers and arms financing. The report highlights a deeply entrenched, coordinated terror funding network spanning Nigeria, the UAE, Rwanda, South Africa, and Niger.

Lagos Tops 2025 Ease of Doing Business Ranking as PEBEC Warns States on Urgent Reforms

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has released the 2025 Subnational Ease of Doing Business Report, with Lagos leading at 85.6%, far ahead of other states. Kaduna, Oyo, FCT, and Ogun complete the top five, while Enugu, Plateau, Ekiti, Kano, and Nasarawa make the top ten. PEBEC says the ranking is based on hard administrative evidence across 16 indicators, highlighting gaps in power stability, investor aftercare, interstate trade rules, and MSME financing. The council warns that without urgent reforms, Nigerian businesses may continue relocating to more stable environments like Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya.

Trump Hosts Peace Summit as DR Congo and Rwanda Agree to Sign Washington Deal Amid Escalating M23 Conflict

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are set to sign a US-brokered peace deal in Washington, hosted by President Donald Trump, despite ongoing clashes between DR Congo’s army and M23 rebels in the east. The agreement aims to end years of cross-border tensions, even as the M23 launches fresh offensives and regional forces engage in coordinated operations. Analysts warn that the signing may offer symbolic progress but is unlikely to halt hostilities without major concessions, including the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and disarmament of FDLR militias. The US and Qatar are driving the mediation, linking peace to future cooperation on energy, mining and regional infrastructure.

Super Eagles Get World Cup Hope Alive as FIFA Punishes South Africa Over Player Scandal.

According to a report from BBC, South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a major setback after the country’s football association (SAFA) was sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player in the qualifiers.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee ruled that midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who had accumulated two yellow cards in earlier matches and was due to serve a one-match suspension, was wrongly included in South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho on March 21.

His participation was deemed a violation of Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the 2026 World Cup Preliminary Competition Regulations.

In its decision announced on Monday, September 29, FIFA declared the match forfeited, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory.

SAFA was also fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena received a formal warning. “The forfeiture decision remains subject to a potential appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee,” FIFA said in a statement, per Africa Soccer.

The ruling significantly alters the group standings, with Benin Republic now leading on 14 points (+4 goal difference), ahead of South Africa, also on 14 points but with an inferior goal difference (+3).

Nigeria follows with 11 points (+2), Rwanda also has 11 (0), Lesotho sits on 9 (-3), and Zimbabwe trails with 4 (-6).

With only the group winner guaranteed an automatic ticket to the World Cup and the runner-up possibly advancing via inter-confederation play-offs, the October fixtures will be decisive in determining South Africa’s fate.

“I Don’t Want Nigeria to Qualify for 2026 World Cup” — South Africa’s Sports Minister Declares.

South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has openly stated that he does not wish to see the Super Eagles of Nigeria qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In an interview with Johannesburg-based Radio 947, McKenzie accused Nigeria of trying to sabotage South Africa’s qualification efforts, adding that his remarks were a direct response to what he described as “hostile actions” from the Nigerian side.

His comments come amid heightened rivalry between the two nations following a tense World Cup qualifying campaign. South Africa had earlier suffered a setback when FIFA docked three points from their tally for fielding an ineligible player — a sanction that temporarily threatened their chances of topping the group.

Nigeria capitalized on that moment by winning their last two group matches to remain in contention. However, South Africa ultimately secured the Group C ticket with a decisive 3–0 victory over Rwanda, earning their first World Cup berth since 2010.

Nigeria, now relegated to the continental playoffs, will have to overcome Gabon in November before potentially facing Congo DR or Cameroon to keep their World Cup dreams alive, a scenario McKenzie says he is firmly against.

“I heard people saying we were also supporting Nigeria, but let me be clear, I don’t want them to qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” the 51-year-old minister said.

He further alleged that Nigeria worked “behind the scenes” to hinder South Africa’s qualification chances. “I know what they did. I want them to lose. They will not go to the World Cup; let another African country go,” McKenzie added.

He clarified that his stance wasn’t personal but rooted in football rivalry. “It’s not that I hate Nigeria. I simply match the energy they give. They don’t like us, and we don’t like them — it’s that simple. It’s just like the rivalry between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates,” he said.

IMF excludes Nigeria from list of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, calls for deeper reforms.

Nigeria has been left out of the International Monetary Fund’s latest list of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, sparking fresh discussions about the country’s sluggish growth and persistent structural challenges.

In its newly released Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa, the IMF highlighted countries such as Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda as the continent’s top performers, projecting regional growth to stabilize around 4.1 percent in 2025.

Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria failed to make the list, reflecting what analysts describe as a combination of weak reforms, high inflation, and over-dependence on oil revenues. The IMF also warned that many African nations, including Nigeria, face growing fiscal pressures as governments turn to domestic banks for financing amid limited external funding opportunities.

According to the report, these fiscal and monetary imbalances, along with rising inflation and exchange-rate instability, continue to dampen Nigeria’s growth outlook. The Fund advised countries in the region to adopt sound fiscal policies, strengthen revenue mobilization, and diversify their economies to cushion against global shocks.

Experts say Nigeria’s omission underscores the urgent need for deeper reforms in public finance, infrastructure, and governance. While some progress has been made under ongoing policy adjustments, the IMF’s findings suggest the country still lags behind peers that have successfully implemented aggressive economic diversification and investment-friendly strategies.

Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila has been sentenced to death in absentia for war crimes and treason.

The charges concern accusations that Kabila has been supporting the M23, a rebel group who have wreaked devastation across the country's eastern region.

Kabila was convicted on Friday of treason, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, including murder, sexual assault, torture and insurrection.

He rejected the case as "arbitrary" and said the courts were being used as an "instrument of oppression". His current whereabouts are unknown.

The 54-year-old led DR Congo for 18 years, after succeeding his father Laurent, who was shot dead in 2001.

Kabila handed power to President Félix Tshisekedi in 2019, but they later fell out and Kabila went into self-imposed exile in 2023.

In April this year, the former president said he wanted to help find a solution to the deadly fighting in the east and arrived in the M23-held city of Goma the following month.

President Tshisekedi accused Kabila of being the brains behind the M23 and senators stripped him of his legal immunity, paving the way for his prosecution.

Decades of conflict had escalated earlier this year when the M23 seized control of large parts of the mineral-rich east, including Goma, the city of Bukavu and two airports.

Pointing to overwhelming evidence, the UN and several Western countries have accused neighbouring Rwanda of backing the M23, and sending thousands of its soldiers into DR Congo.

But Kigali denies the charges, saying it is acting to stop the conflict from spilling over onto its territory.

A ceasefire deal between the rebels and the government was agreed in July, but the bloodshed has continued.

UPDATED: Ekong Dropped As Osimhen, Lookman Lead Nigeria’s Attack Vs Rwanda

Captain William Troost-Ekong has been benched as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman spearhead Nigeria’s attack in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

Coach Eric Chelle handed a start to 20-year-old Benjamin Frederick, who will partner Calvin Bassey in central defence. Wilfred Ndidi takes the armband, with Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka completing the midfield trio.

Stanley Nwabali keeps his spot in goal, while Moses Simon joins Osimhen and Lookman upfront. Nigeria, with just seven points from six matches, must win to keep alive their slim qualification hopes.

Nigeria’s Starting XI vs Rwanda:
Nwabali; Ola Aina, Bassey, Frederick, Onyemaechi; Ndidi (C), Iwobi, Onyeka; Simon, Lookman, Osimhen.

#SuperEagles #WorldCupQualifiers #NGARWA

Police Assure Tight Security for Nigeria vs Rwanda World Cup Qualifier in Uyo

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Nigeria and Rwanda, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has assured fans and visitors of robust security measures at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The match is scheduled for Saturday, September 6, at 5 p.m.

Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, gave the assurance during a press conference in Uyo, stating that police personnel would be fully deployed to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free event.

“Our men are going to use their total strength in policing the game,” Azare said.

He warned potential troublemakers to stay away, saying the police would not tolerate any form of violence during or after the match.

#NigeriaVsRwanda #WorldCupQualifiers #Uyo2025

In Rwanda we call it “ Amata “ what do u call “ Milk “ in your native language ?

EXCLUSIVE: NNPC Boss Charters Private Jets For Brazil Trip
August 24, 2025

NNPC Limited CEO, Bashir Ojulari, has come under fresh criticism after chartering private jets for a Brazil trip, barely two months after the company’s board held a lavish retreat in Kigali, Rwanda.

At the Kigali retreat, the NNPC board, chaired by Ahmadu Musa Kida, lodged at the Marriott Hotel, reportedly booking the entire facility with insiders claiming at least five private jets were arranged for executives.

The spending spree comes as the Senate probes NNPC over financial discrepancies amounting to more than ₦210 trillion in its audited accounts between 2017 and 2023. Lawmakers described the irregularities as “mind-boggling” and warned of serious accountability concerns.

#NNPC #NigeriaEconomy #Accountability

CAF Sacks Referees Chief Following Morocco’s Protest Over Nigeria’s WAFCON Win.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly sacked its Director of Refereeing, Désiré Noumandiez Doué, following Morocco’s protest over alleged p++r officiating in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final, where Nigeria claimed their 10th title.

Though Doué did not referee the match, he was responsible for selecting the officiating team, which is now under intense scrutiny. The final, held in Rabat, ended in a dramatic 3–2 comeback victory for Nigeria over hosts Morocco, who had initially led by two goals.

Morocco’s football federation (FRMF) lodged a formal protest, accusing match officials of “critical officiating errors.” The match was officiated by Namibia’s Antsino Twanyanyukwa, with assistants from Rwanda and Senegal.

VAR was handled by Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga. FRMF submitted a video dossier to CAF, highlighting controversial calls, including a denied penalty for Morocco and what they viewed as a questionable penalty awarded to Nigeria.

These decisions, they argued, significantly influenced the outcome. Morocco’s head coach, Jorge Vilda, expressed disappointment after the match, telling ESPN: “We saw images that showed clear contact, but the referee overturned her own call.

It impacted our players psychologically. It was a massive blow.” CAF has not officially commented on Doué’s dismissal, but the timing strongly suggests it was a response to the growing criticism surrounding the WAFCON final.

Nurturing the Next Champions: Nigeria Commended for Investing in Women’s Sports Excellence


Professor Suleiman has emphasized the urgent need to develop and expose young female talents to sustain Nigeria’s dominance in women’s football and basketball across Africa.

While celebrating the Super Falcons for their heroic WAFCON victory in Morocco, she praised President Bola Tinubu, the NSC, and the NFF for the timely release of funds to support the players and coaching staff.

The same support was extended to D’Tigress, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, who are chasing a record 5th FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title in Côte d’Ivoire.

D’Tigress made a powerful statement by thrashing Rwanda 92-45 in their opener and will face Mozambique at 5PM on Monday in their second Group D clash.


#SuperFalcons #DTigress #WomenInSports #NigeriaDominatesAfrica #WAFCON2024